Justice vs. A Pound of Flesh

Most of us want justice in the Michael Brown case, whatever that is

“I would ask the people who are engaged in the rioting, ‘What exactly is it that you want? What is the message that you are trying to get across? We’re willing to listen. Just tell us what it is.’”

– Dr. Ben Carson,on the unrest in Ferguson, Mo.

Sadly, Dr. Ben Carson, a Mandela-esque figure of calm, kindness and reason who is a favorite presidential candidate among many conservatives, likely won’t be listened to – either in Ferguson or elsewhere.

Instead, in the midst of the lynch-mob mania there, you’ve got Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon whipping the crowd up with a call from on high for a “vigorous prosecution” of the officer in the case.

A “vigorous prosecution”? Doesn’t that kind of presuppose guilt? Should a governor of a state really be saying, or even thinking. something like that?

One might expect an angry crowd to give in to a rush to judgment and calls for “justice” that really amount to convicting a man before all the evidence is in. But for a governor to do so is beyond irresponsible. It’s reprehensible.

Nixon, along with the usual coterie of race hustlers such as Al Sharpton, has unfortunately – even frighteningly – fomented anger and unrest in the shooting death of young black Michael Brown by a white police officer. And they may have, unadvisedly, puffed up expectations for a swift and sure conviction in the case.

As evidence seeped out this week, it began to appear more and more possible that the young man may have had more than a bystander’s role in the confrontation: He was seen on surveillance video assaulting a store clerk, and further physically intimidating the clerk, just minutes before the fatal conflagration; and the officer was said to have suffered a facial fracture in the scuffle.

Meanwhile, a celebrity pathologist brought in by the Brown family says his autopsy could not rule out the possibility that Brown was rushing the officer when he was shot, something that other witnesses have suggested happened.

Regardless, “justice” does not favor one person over another, no matter how heated the emotions.

Moreover, consider how incredibly difficult it will be to satisfy the inconsolable protesters: Given any amount of conflicting or mitigating evidence, it will be extremely difficult for an impartial jury to find, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the shooting was wholly unjustified. The truth is, given the clear evidence of Mr. Brown’s undeniably menacing mugging of the store clerk, the prosecution will have an incredibly high bar to hurdle.

Unfortunately, neither the high emotions, nor high officials, have prepared the populace for that naked truth. Indeed, one Missouri state senator, Jamilah Nasheed, recklessly warned that a non-indictment of the officer would produce “havoc” in the streets that would make the recent protests “seem like a picnic” in comparison.

Heaven help Ferguson if the officer is eventually acquitted. Its “leaders” have made anything but a conviction look like a racial outrage – again, before the evidence is even proffered.

Shame on them, and anyone else who incites riots by perpetrating such a fraud on a susceptible public.

So, to expound on Dr. Carson’s question: What do they want? Justice? Or a pound of flesh, regardless of what the evidence dictates?

If they want justice – the kind which African-Americans fought centuries to obtain – it’s safe to say most of America is with them.

If that’s so, the violent nights and chronic angst have been utterly unnecessary; those wanting justice in Ferguson were never truly alone.

The nagging expectation of injustice is understandable, certainly. Maybe the broader society – and a knee-jerk, inflammatory news media – could do a much better job of communicating the fact that most of this country, every race included, wants justice too. Even – perhaps especially – if that means putting a rogue police officer in prison for a very long time.

But if justice ultimately demands a less satisfying outcome for the protesters, will they accept that?

If anyone in this country should be wary of a justice system run amok on the incendiary fumes of anger, it’s African-Americans. They were on the wrong end of that travesty far too long.

The moral of the story in To Kill a Mockingbird had to do with not succumbing to a lynch mob mentality in the face of a racially-tinged crime.

After all these years, the lesson of that classic morality play appears tragically lost on many.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for
following agreed-upon rules of civility. Posts and
comments do not reflect the views of this site. Posts and comments are
automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some
comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules,
click the "Flag as offensive" link below the comment.

The issue at hand is how police are so quick to take the life of black males in this society. That's the whole issue. There is such a fear of the black male from police that even unarmed males appear so threatening to them, the only response is to shoot and kill, choke and kill or beat and kill.

It is sickening.

People are just fed up with police abuse. They are fed up that those who are supposed to "protect" have become the criminals. It seems like an unarmed black male is killed every few days in this country by a cop. Enough is enough. Ferguson is the catalyst to change that dynamic.

I don't think the police officer cared what color the 300 pound man attacking him was. The truth is going to be a bitter pill for the anti-police rioters to swallow. It's pretty clear what happened. Eric Holder is not helping matters either when he goes to Ferguson and only meets with one side.

and that Duke of Democrats, Al Sharpton
if democrats would only educate young black men
who compromise 3% of the population yet commit over 50% of violent crimes
perhaps they would know that this officer is most likely a victim
of a large (so large that he is, himself, continually, a deadly weapon) reckless attacker
just as the rhetoric by the kkk has caused harm
this rhetoric by democrats, and their promotional departments msnbc and cnn, should be cause for the democrat national committee to be forced to pay for the damage caused by the rioting thugs
this is what happens when schools are for the benefit of teacher's unions and bureaucrats
instead of education
shame on you, democrats
for bringing a third world mob mentality to America
and using young black men, and promoting their distrust of police
just because of your lust for power
by any means necessary
perhaps the police could go on strike for just one weekend?

most police are quite trustworthy and do a dangerous job with integrity
your rhetoric is dangerous
you cause young black males to view police as dangerous to them
your rhetoric is a lie
the police take very few lives, and so few without good cause that the number is no cause for any concern... you know that, too
democrats have caused young black males to commit crimes at a rate higher than any other group in this country
and your promotion of that, by your rhetoric, is sickening

Specsta, according to statistics, there are about 34,000 arrests a day or about 13 million a year - and while the black population is only about 13% to 15%, 49% of those arrests were black persons. (I believe these statistics were of 2012 and are still averaging about the same.)

Yet there were only approximately 400 cases where a suspect criminal was shot or otherwise died while in police custody and only a very few were found to be unjustifiable shootings. So where are you getting off implying that black males are being killed indiscriminately?

Furthermore, with most of the crimes being committed by black males it's no wonder there is some suspicion cast toward them by the police and the public in general. Instead of you bemoaning the demise of some thugs, maybe you could more good by mentoring some young black males to keep them out of trouble and change the image people have of black males.

Dr. Carson lived in the projects, yet he overcame the plight of most of the blacks growing up with a single parent. He didn't feel it necessary to "be black", he decided to be a successful person instead of a color.

Specstra, you know you are racially profiling correct? You are judging and stereotyping based on race, skin, color and occupation. So it really doesn't matter what Micheal Brown did, the only fact that matters is the police officer is a white cop and that makes him guilty right?

ymnbde, you said "just as the rhetoric the kkk has caused this rhetoric by democrats..."

I apologize for parsing words, but the KKK was started in 1863 in Pulaski, Tennessee by DEMOCRATS. Just wanted to clarify the way you worded it, because your wording makes it seem like the democrats were separate from the KKK.

What you are viewing in Ferguson is political grandstanding at its worst. "Don't let a good crisis go to waste." Obama's base was starting to get to get restless and questioning their votes. Then comes along this golden opportunity. They trek out a picture of the victim when he was 14 and much less threatening. They bus in loads of "protesters". They set up voter registration tents. They haul in the racebaiting shills. The liberal press fall all over themselves reporting the "war on black boys"--all a lie. And, the rest of the libs fall in line with the chorus. If only that white guy hadn't gotten his head cut off, maybe they could keep it going until November.

There is a segment of the population that does not see shoplifting as a crime, they view it as a success. People living on the public's dime (welfare/Medicaid/food stamps etc) are given everything and do not understand the concept of paying for anything. The media's encouragement by referring to this over-sized criminal as 'an unarmed victim' incites public unrest. He strong armed the innocent store clerk. He used his large body to assault the police officer. 'Unarmed' is not the term that should be used to describe this criminal. He was packing so much body weight that his sheer size was a weapon.

The issues are being conflated-race as an issue and then police brutality. The issue is really about police brutality and since 9/11 the move in police forces to be more militaristic and aggressive. "Numerous human rights observers have raised concerns about increased police brutality in the U.S. in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. An extensive report prepared for the United Nations Human Rights Committee, tabled in 2006, states that in the U.S., the "War on Terror" has "created a generalized climate of impunity for law enforcement officers, and contributed to the erosion of what few accountability mechanisms exist for civilian control over law enforcement agencies. As a result, police brutality and abuse persist unabated and undeterred across the country."
So we have a perfect storm of distrust of aggressive police clashing with how they deal with low socioeconomic folks-white, black, hispanic any ethnicity. The war isn't on black people but more poor people who don't have voice with big bucks, but now the police are moving in being aggressive towards everyone. I have stated before Georgia seems like a police state in my travels with sight of more aggressive police harassing people with road blocks, etc. I was pulled over a few months ago and asked what I was doing in the area? Say what?
But after saying this it brings up the issue what if this police officer wasn't in the wrong and will this stereotyped distrust of police play into angst?

Raising cain for mo voters....do it for tv ratings...let us rile up our base for November cause it looks like we are dropping like a elephant in water....

Puzzling isn't it....some came from many miles away, some came by plane, even the Ferguson crowd didn't know them, now let me think,......hmmmmm, who has money to encourage this....hmmmm...& if yall don't stop disparaging of Dr Carson, I'm gonna show you a picnic!

This issue has become all about Brown being "black" rather than police excessive use of force, and I believe the outcome would have been the same no matter the ethnicity of Brown with the same scenario in any US city. We have police half cocked readily to pounce it seems to me. However that fact shouldn't jade the police officer may have been justified in the shooting no more than the fact that Brown committed a robbery shouldn't jade people the shooting was justified.

Jay Nixon has had his share of controversy
"Nixon has overseen the state's involvement in the court settlements that ended mandatory urban busing in St. Louis and Kansas City's public schools.[5] His role in the desegregation cases has caused friction with some African American leaders. In addition, Missouri Republicans have criticized Nixon for his campaign managers' soliciting campaign contributions from utility companies, including Ameren during an ongoing criminal investigation by his office of the company, which were immediately returned when the matter drew attention.

The Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC) issued a report titled "The Modern Militia Movement" on February 20, 2009, informing the Missouri State Highway Patrol of several groups of people who could possibly be linked to domestic militia groups. According to the report, these groups included white Christians, supporters of third-party presidential candidates Ron Paul, Bob Barr, and Chuck Baldwin, as well as opponents of gun control, illegal immigration, abortion, the Federal Reserve System, and the Internal Revenue Service. Following a joint letter from Paul, Barr, and Baldwin condemning the report, Nixon and the MIAC issued an apology concerning the report and stated that it will no longer be displayed on any official state websites.[6]

Bizkit - they are now releasing the extent of injuries this officer was subjected to by this "gentle giant". He may even lose an eye and has said he is in great fear of his life. When he was trying to exit his vehicle, this "gentle" person pushed him back into it and proceeded to assault him. Does this sound like police brutality? Maybe you think that Brown may have injured his fists while beating this officer and that in your mind would constitute police brutality??

is that it does not fit in with too many peoples source of Income, social power & Political Agenda.

Doesn't anyone else find it strange that the Liberals in this case is one of fanning flames and inciting the Hate? While the Conservative side is asking for peace, rational thinking and letting Justice and the court system work?

Why are the 2 other branches interfering with the case & Judicial system to such a mega extent?

We have a Democrat President, a Democrat Governors (executive branches) and many Democrat Local, State, and Federal elected representatives (legislative branch) calling for & demanding the Judicial Branch take actions in manners that violate the process of Law.

Haven't such demand by those of the other 2 branches

Violated The US CONSTITUTION?

That little thing called The Separation of Powers clause, established in Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution.

The process of which the 3 branches check each others powers and use a system known as checks and balances. Thus, no branch can gain too much power and influence, thus reducing the opportunity for tyrannical government.

So are we still a nation of law, or have we moved to an Authoritarian Government political system?

Hoptoad I think police brutality is a growing problem since 9/11 with a more aggressive police force nationally-it doesn't mean I don't think the police officer was warranted in the shooting in this case. I don't know all the evidence, but it sure looks like Brown aggravated the shooting.
That's why I think hundreds of whites should join the black protestors to make it about police brutality nation wide and not about race or the Brown shooting specifically. We don't know the evidence, whether charges will be made against the officer, etc. The reaction is cart before the horse in regards to the Brown case because justice hasn't had a chance to be served, but I wonder if like the editorial suggest justice is what is sought but a pound of flesh-the Governors reactions sure suggest a pound of flesh is wanted.

If the grand jury finds the shooting justified, which as evidence is being presented sure seems the case, I wonder if the black community will be satisfied with "justice" but will still make this about race and a supposed war on black men and become more violent. Course if they do become violent it will justify many who think blacks are more violent and aggressive and criminal as a poster commented yesterday. Clearly the black community are "racists" in their attitudes they are being picked on more than others-which I gather hispanics and poor white folks would take exception as they've tasted brutality too. "According to a 2009 report by the Pew Hispanic Center, in 2007 Latinos "accounted for 40% of all sentenced federal offenders-more than triple their share (13%) of the total U.S. adult population". This was an increase from 24% in 1991.

To be honest withya...I really don't see how they keep calm....I think they deserve much more in pay & benefits. It is a thankless job & sooo dangerous.

I was married to a man (1st husband) gave his free time to help on weekends with a friend of his...didn't do it for money or fame, just wanted his friend to be safe...there is so much folks don't know about that job.......that friend was Freddie Sanders.

Historically I agree with you seenit-I've always seen the police as my friend. However since 9/11 I personally have seen a more aggressive police force and harassment of everyone just about. On more than one occasion I've seen a Mom and Dad being patted down and the car searched while their kids watched-you could tell they were heading to Florida for vacation-why such aggressive action?

The same reason they get overly strict at the airport.....rather be safe than sorry......if you haven't done anything, usually they are respectful (usually)....I have had a friend (great looking female) have EVERYTHING in her luggage piled on the counter for all to stare & giggle over...I really think that guy had personal reasons for doing that. But I don't lump them all in the same pot.

The original race hustlers were the "founding fathers," part of whose motivation for revolting against the British Empire was fear that it would limit and abolish slavery in its North American colonies and thwart westward expansion at the expense of the British allies among the Native Americans. The wealthy white slaveholding plantation owners and slave trading families convinced other white people to risk their lives rebelling against the British. Score one for race hustlers.

The entirety of Jim Crow was a white race hustle. All poor white people could feel good that they were better than blacks, even if the wealthy white people in power never did anything for them.

When blacks were enfranchised and steered the Democratic Party out of support for segregation, Republicans realized they begin winning elections in the southern states through race hustling. This was known as the Southern Strategy. Its most outstanding practitioner was Lee Atwater:

It's astounding with the Governor of Missouri demanding prosecution of the innocent officer. Alexis de Tocqueville warned us about vote buying. The rights of some will be eliminated to gain political favor. Everything is on the table now.

Justice requires "reason." This case should be tried in another venue. The jury pool here has certainly been tainted by exorbitant and partisan media coverage and unbridled politics. A dead body does not equate with murder, I don't care what color the body is or how many bullets are in it.

I don't know how you can make the claim that law enforcement has become more brutal or abusive. You can make the observation that they appear more militaristic because of the increase of the the use of military equipment and tactics but that does not translate to abuse. The average officer on patrol is better trained now than anytime in the past and all encounters I have had I have been impressed with the quality and professionalism of officers. The only thing that has changed in the last 10 years is that law enforcement is having to deal with very brutal crime and drug gangs that have access to superior weapons. They must be given every advantage when dealing with these thugs. And yes I am calling the majority of the looters in Ferguson thugs and almost all have come from other areas for one purpose. You need to listen to Bill O'Reilly's talking points memo: The least thing we have to fear is the police.

At the beginning of this country most slaves were not black. As for Al Sharpton he just a plain old liar who make a real good living keeping things stirred up. Using the race card just happens to be his preferred method. I think many in the black community are catching on and brother Al know his day are numbered if they do.